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The Empress Theodora

Hotel with free breakfast, steps from Hagia Sophia

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Photo gallery for The Empress Theodora

Outdoor dining
Staircase
Hallway
Standard Room, 1 Double Bed | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
Free daily buffet breakfast

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
Cankurtaran Mah. Alemdar Cad. 16, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34122
  • Place, Blue Mosque
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Sultanahmet Square
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Hagia Sophia
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Istanbul (IST)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Single Room

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Double Room

  • 215 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Triple Room

  • 248 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

Economy Double Room, No Windows

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Economy Single Room, No Windows

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

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Exterior

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Jan 22 - Jan 23, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Istanbul

Located in Sultanahmet, The Empress Theodora is adjacent to Hagia Sophia and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Sultanahmet Square. This hotel has 18 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and a rooftop terrace.

What's nearby

  • Gülhane Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Basilica Cistern - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Blue Mosque - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Sultanahmet Square - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Hagia Sophia - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Gulhane Station - 3 min walk
  • Sirkeci Marmaray Station - 6 min walk
  • Istanbul Airport (IST) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gülhane Sur Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Le Safran - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Espressolab - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪EFEZÂDE - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Gulhane Sark Sofrasi - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Empress Theodora

Hotel with free breakfast, steps from Hagia Sophia
Guests of The Empress Theodora enjoy a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. For transportation, you can make use of an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for TRY 270 per vehicle one way, as well as an airport shuttle. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with concierge services, securing valuables, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include a computer station, a library, and express check-in.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers, free toiletries, and slippers. Dining areas, minibars, and electric kettles are also available.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Library

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Rooftop terrace

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 2011
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 1 PM
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: TRY 270 per vehicle (one way)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards
  • Check-in: 1 PM
  • Check-out: noon
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts major credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Empress Theodora Boutique Class
Empress Theodora Boutique Class Hotel
Empress Theodora Boutique Class Hotel Istanbul
Empress Theodora Boutique Class Istanbul
Empress Theodora Hotel Istanbul
Empress Theodora Hotel
Empress Theodora Istanbul
The Empress Theodora Hotel
The Empress Theodora Istanbul
The Empress Theodora Hotel Istanbul

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Empress Theodora?

The Empress Theodora provides free cancellation on some room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What is there to do near The Empress Theodora?

This hotel is situated in Sultanahmet within a 10-minute walk of Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Square. You'll also find Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Empress Theodora?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Does The Empress Theodora include a casino on the premises?

No, The Empress Theodora doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Empress Theodora?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Empress Theodora?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a minibar and slippers as well as a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at The Empress Theodora?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Empress Theodora have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Empress Theodora serves free buffet breakfast each morning from its restaurant.

Does The Empress Theodora allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Empress Theodora.

Are there connecting rooms at The Empress Theodora?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to The Empress Theodora?

The closest major airport to The Empress Theodora is Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Intl. Airport (SAW), which is 28.3 mi away (68 minutes by car). Another top airport is Istanbul Airport (IST), which is located 25.9 mi away (56-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Empress Theodora?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Empress Theodora.

The Empress Theodora Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 56 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Zainab

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best hotel staff and best hotel experience ever!!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 6 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good stay

Very nice stay. Comfortable and good value for money
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

A N MISTRY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent location and cooperative stafg

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Sam, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel Good location

Good location near Gulhane tram station. Excellent reception staff. Nice new room. Breakfast basic good spread. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good

Good hotel. Good service and location but very hard for taxis to reach

10/10 Excellent

Dimitar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly Recommend

We stayed at The Empress of Theodora Hotel for 3 nights and this is the nicest hotel in the city!! The room was nice and clean, great bed and breakfast! We enjoyed our time there! We will definitely come back, because those 3 days were amazing!

10/10 Excellent

Safwan, Cairo, Egypt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great small hotel

I liked the convenience of the location. Breakfast included in the rate was very well served People were nice and friendly I hoped there was a setting arrangement in the room; seat and coffee table

10/10 Excellent

Anita, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The best place

I am so happy, my dream come true

8/10 Good

Carlos, Toronto, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A good one!

Unbeatable location. Very friendly staff. The carpet in my room was a old (a little worn out and stained) but the room was very clean. Breakfast was pretty good. Only that it didn't have real coffee (only instant coffee offered), and started at 8am (a little late, if you need to catch a tour).

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A nice hotel to stay in the center of Istanbul.

I feel lucky to have chosen this hotel when visiting Istanbul. A few things I really like about it. Hotel staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I consulted with them each morning about where to go and how to get there. It turned out the information they provided was very helpful. I also like the location of this hotel. It is quite convenient no matter where one wants to go. I will choose this hotel again if I visit Istanbul in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Leonid, Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We like it there

This was exactly what we were looking for. Right at the middle of the old city attractions. Those who used to or require more space may consider some other place - room is extremely minimalistic. However this was just what we needed for the two day stay. Included breakfast was really good and service was not only well organized but also friendly and cheerful.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good centre to see the Istanbul sights

Very comfortable. Good breakfast on the terrace. Very friendly and helpful staff. We were there for two nights, should have been longer. Easy to get around on the trams to the Bosphorus. Walking distance to Topkapi park. Good restaurants minutes away. We had a great stay.

8/10 Good

mark, oakland, california

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

great value

The good: Great location, nice mattress, robust breakfast, fantastic staff. The bad: tiny shower, street noise (although the muezin calls to prayer were a real treat and the trams and crowd quieted down after midnight).

10/10 Excellent

Monika, Singapore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect place to be at!

The hotel location cannot get better than this - right at sultanahmet! Would recommend this place to anyone visiting Istanbul for three main reasons - knowledgeable staff, excellent hospitality and staff and the perfect location (walkable to aya sofia, blue mosque, topkapi palace, grand bazaar, basilica cistern, ferry station for bosphorus cruise, great eating places and to add to it, the tram station is right outside the hotel)!

10/10 Excellent

Yev, Edmonton, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Magic Location in the Heart of Old Istanbul

The location of the hotel is superb in the heart of the Sultanahmet area. It is located next to Ayasofya, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Very convenient to get to the tram line. Lots of shops, restaurants, and historical places around. The hotel staff is very friendly and helpful. The breakfast is very diverse and tasty.

10/10 Excellent

Maurice, Greater Boston Area

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Location, Class, and Hospitality

If you come across looking for a vacation stay in Istanbul, look no further. Empress Theodora is it. This is a family owned hotel situated right on the TRAM line between the Hagia Sophia and the water front. Behind the hotel, it's the old palace wall in side of which are the Topkapi Palace, and the Archeological Museum. It's within a minute walk to the entrance of the Gulhane Park, and minutes to everything. Unlike some of the other hotels that are in the narrow small streets that are not accessible by taxi, Empress Theodora is right on the main road. Yet it is very quiet in the room. The hotel is very clean, has nice furniture and tastefully decorated. The rooms are larger than most hotels I've been. The beds are firm and comfortable. No tub, and the shower is rather small for a large person. But the hot water is always there. The free breakfast is very fresh and abundant with lots of selections. What I like the hotel the most is the people. The host is a young man by the name of Ersen - extremely friendly, and speaks perfect English. (His parents live by the Delaware River, and his uncle owns the hotel.) He works very hard. You will likely see him in the mornings and the evenings, day in and day out. He always greets you with a big smile. He has special business contacts that he takes responsibility for, so you won't be cheated. For example, if you order a Taxi to go to the airport, he trusted no one but the one he knows he can trust. Very satisfied!

8/10 Good

Isabella, Bucharest

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

good location, very client oriented staff

Excelent location if you want to be close to the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace there are at 3-5 minutes walk We had the back home plane very late in the evening and we've been very pleasently surprised by the reception personell who assured us that we can check out at 8 PM without any extra charge. The room is comfortable, the bathroom clean and functional, the breakfast good, they have a nice terace

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Istanbul

We enjoyed our stay, breakfast on the rooftop was lovely.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Location is the best!

The hotel is located right up the street from Sophia Hague and the Blue Mosque. It is a great location. The hotel is right on a busy street. It does not have an elevator but they carried my bags to my room (they were heavy!) For the price, it was a great value. I chose a room without a window because it was quieter. The rooms on the street side are nice, but the trams and buses go from early in the day til late in the evening and I needed quiet. They have a fake window in the room and I was fine. They had a huge breakfast buffet which was included, plus free wifi, which I really appreciated. They gave me bottled water each day in the fridge for free, another plus. The room was clean and I had enough room to move about. The bed was fine. Lots of places to eat near by. Many great sites and bazaars not far. Try visiting a Turkish bath, I visited 2. Avoid the one next to the Grand Bazaar it is too busy, at least when I went. Great value for the money at this hotel.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Convenient place, helpful staff.

Good location. heloful staff. The room had no window but it was big enough and was clean. The breakfast was OUTSTANDING!!

10/10 Excellent

dsq, Maryland, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Thank you, Empress Theodora Hotel!

What can I say? The Empress Theodora Hotel met my expectations in every way! I am actually planning to visit again next summer, and I plan to stay here again! The room and bathroom were always clean and comfortable. The staff spoke very good English and were extremely helpful with recommendations and advice. Another added bonus was its location. It's across from the tram and near several major attractions, including souvenir shops and restaurants. The free breakfast buffet had enough variety to please any picky eater. Really, I can't think of anything negative to say! Thank you, Empress Theodora Hotel! Part of what made my visit to Istanbul so memorable was staying here!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

P:E:S

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Thank you!

Perfect service and a breakfast buffé out of the ordinare! Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

Sayid, California

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing location

Excellent service, great quality for the price OMG I have nothing bad to say …. ill come back definitely